LA-bound jet safely lands at JFK after bird strike

Published: April 20, 2012 10:50AM

NEW YORK (AP) -- A Los Angeles bound jetliner made an emergency landing at John F. Kennedy Airport after striking a bird shortly after takeoff.

Delta Air Lines spokesman Anthony Black said Flight 1063 encountered a "bird strike" on the plane's right side engine just after taking off about 3 p.m. Thursday. He said the pilot decided to land as a precautionary measure.

Black said the Boeing 757 carrying 172 passengers and seven crew members landed safely with no problems.

Officials were checking the plane for damage. The passengers were switched to another flight.

In 2009, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in New York after striking a flock of geese.